Government (In)Action – Days Late and Millions of Dollars Short

Aug 28, 2024

The Wheat Growers are pleased that the federal government has finally listened and invoked Sec. 107 of the Labour Act and put an end to the labour strife at both national railways.

“The Wheat Growers have called for the government to take decisive action since May 2024. Agriculture and all other industrial sectors have been held hostage by this rail strike,” stated Gunter Jochum, President.

The pre-lockout slow-down by the railways has stopped the flow of grain already and will likely take weeks to fully bring everything back up to speed. Meanwhile, our export markets have been watching and some considering alternate grain sources going forward.

To arrive at this juncture is unacceptable to consumers and producers alike. Canadians cannot face the uncertainty of a rail stoppage every year. Stronger action needs to be put in place to ensure certainty for the long-term.

“The Canadian economy has been impacted by this government’s inaction. We did not need to be in this situation,” closed Jochum.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.